After barely handling Shen Xingchen, Jian Xingsui noticed two others in their dormitory. One had a cute schoolboy haircut and looked very innocent, while the other seemed mature and steady. Upon seeing Jian Xingsui's gaze, the latter coldly nodded and introduced himself, “Hello, I’m Ning Ze.”

The cute-looking schoolboy greeted warmly, “Hey, I'm Wen Shengge.”

Jian Xingsui shook hands with them, introducing himself, “Hi, I'm Jian Xingsui.”

The three in the dormitory got along harmoniously, only Shen Xingchen behaved with a regal air, claiming a bed for himself as if he was the emperor.

“…”

It wasn't that the others didn't want the bed; they simply hadn’t chosen yet.

Only Jian Xingsui was familiar with Shen Xingchen's domineering nature. But now, Wen Shengge and Ning Ze also saw it firsthand. Whereas disputes might arise in other dorms, here they were non-issues.

After selecting their bunks, a staff member announced, “Please get ready and head to the recording studio!”

Though Jian Xingsui was the last to pick, their dorm was first to finish due to their efficiency. They arrived at the recording studio first, capturing the immediate attention of the live stream audience.

"It's him, the buzz-cut guy."

"And the guy with the punk jacket."

"Whoa, they look like gangsters collecting protection money."

"Hahaha, this is hilarious."

Since Shen Xingchen was leading the pack, followed by the more unassuming Jian Xingsui and Ning Ze, it indeed looked like a gangster leading his crew. The unexpected impression amused many viewers, helping them remember several names.

Gradually, the rest of the contestants entered the studio.

Shen Xingchen sat beside Jian Xingsui, watching the contestants making their entrance. Surprisingly, he could identify from which company half of them came from. Whispering to Jian Xingsui, he'd say:

"I've seen this guy before. Just two weeks ago, he was walking around with his girlfriend. And now he's up there, claiming he's been single for 20 years?"

"See that person over there? Let me tell you a secret: he's got a sugar daddy... actually, two of them."

"What's with that person's eyes? They've definitely had plastic surgery. You believe me?"

Jian Xingsui felt incredibly awkward and said with a nervous smile, "I suppose I believe you."

Shen Xingchen snickered, not quietly at all.

Both of them were under a special contract to get more screen time due to the wealthy influence of the Shen family. With the focus on Shen Xingchen, Jian Xingsui was inevitably included. Ironically, they kept discussing things the audience couldn’t hear, which troubled the cameramen. So, the viewers frequently saw them from a distance, always leaning in and whispering, which piqued interest even more.

"Oh my, what on earth are they talking about?"

"I'm dying of curiosity here! I want to hear too."

"What is the cameraman doing? Get closer, will you?"

"Hahaha, sorry, I can't help it. I just keep wanting to see and hear what they're saying."

While the others tried to act outlandishly to get the camera's attention, Shen Xingchen kept gossiping non-stop. Jian Xingsui became his constant soundboard.

Soon, it was time for the mentors to arrive. With spotlight beams and energetic music, the stage elevated. The four mentors made their grand entrance amidst fog and cheers. Tuya, dressed in a sultry dress, danced at the center. A punk-styled man danced beside her. Another man in a red leather jacket sang. Then, the star of the show, a man in a black tuxedo, Fu Jinxiao, played a grand white piano.

The cheering was deafening.

These were celebrities people had only seen on TV, especially Fu Jinxiao, the pinnacle of the entertainment industry. And now, they were right in front of them!

Not just the audience, but Jian Xingsui was also thrilled. His heart raced as he watched, especially focused on the elegant pianist, his idol, Fu Jinxiao.

Meanwhile, Shen Xingchen commented,

"Tuya's outfit today... her manager must have duped her again."

"Wow, look at Shuang's earrings. Those are limited edition. Becoming a mentor isn't easy."

"And Mr. Li's dance? I bet he only practiced for two days, believe me."

Shen Xingchen, usually one for candid remarks, remained silent when it came to Fu Jinxiao.

Jian Xingsui, returning to the moment, asked, "Why'd you stop talking when it came to the film emperor, Fu?"

Shen Xingchen, looking slightly intimidated for the first time, leaned closer to whisper, "Let me give you some advice. Remember it."

Jian Xingsui: "What is it?"

Shen Xingchen, with a hint of trepidation, said, "You don't want to mess with Fu Jinxiao."

Jian Xingsui responded, "Huh?"

"You must tread lightly around him, or it'd be a fate worse than death." Shen Xingchen seemed to recall something and remarked, "Despite his seemingly courteous and well-mannered appearance now, don't be fooled. He is incredibly vindictive and scheming. Sometimes you might not even know what hit you..."

The noise on stage was loud, and Jian Xingsui couldn't hear clearly. "Pardon?"

Shen Xingchen glanced towards the stage where Fu Jinxe, who seemed to be playing the piano, stole a fleeting glance in their direction. That mere glance was enough to unnerve the usually brash young man. Shen Xingchen hastily said, "It's nothing. Nothing at all."

Jian Xingsui looked puzzled, "Huh?"

For some reason, Shen Xingchen felt that the brief look Fu Jinxe gave him was threatening. Many are mesmerized by Fu's captivating eyes, but only those who truly know him understand that beneath that passionate gaze lies coldness and ruthlessness.

Even though on screen, Fu, the movie star, still wore a polite smile, Shen Xingchen felt uneasy. It was as if, regardless of the distance and the content of their conversation, Fu could guess they weren't speaking well of him.

So, with the innate instinct of an animal sensing danger, Shen Xingchen felt that gossiping about Fu Jinxe with Jian Xingsui today might have repercussions. He quickly changed the topic, forcing a smile, "What I meant was, Brother Fu is a good person. You'll find out in time."

Author's note:

Shen Xingchen: "My greatest wish in life is to keep my distance from this dangerous old fox."

Fu Jinxe smiled lightly, "We'll be family soon. Why so formal?"